In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, India added 7.8 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, reaching a total of 89.7 GW of installed solar power. This growth highlights India’s ongoing commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.
India solar capacity 2025: Breakdown of Installations in Q1
Between January and March 2025, India installed 7.8 GW of solar capacity, bringing the total to 89.7 GW, according to Mercom India. This includes 70.3 GW of utility-scale solar and 19.4 GW of rooftop solar. During this period, utility-scale installations contributed 6.8 GW, while rooftop solar accounted for 1 GW.
Several states played a crucial role in this solar expansion. Gujarat led with 1.6 GW of utility-scale solar installations, followed by Rajasthan with 1.3 GW, and Maharashtra with 1 GW. Maharashtra topped the rooftop solar installations with 381 MW, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 125 MW, and Karnataka with 102 MW.
India solar capacity 2025: Challenges and Regional Declines
Despite the significant growth, some states experienced a decline in solar capacity during the quarter. Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana all saw reductions due to the removal of rooftop solar systems.
Chhattisgarh saw the largest decrease of 41 MW, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 28 MW, and Telangana with 17 MW. These decreases were primarily due to the removal of rooftop solar systems, highlighting the challenges in maintaining and expanding solar infrastructure.
In the first quarter of 2025, India imported solar cells and modules worth $1.72 billion, marking a 26% increase from the previous quarter but a 35% decrease from the same period last year. The largest imports came from China, with a 92% share, followed by Vietnam (4%) and Thailand (2%).
At the same time, India exported solar cells and modules worth $3.7 million, a 27% decrease from the previous quarter and a 66% decrease from the same period last year. Notable export destinations included Nigeria, Colombia, and Greece.
India solar capacity 2025: Growth Trends from 2024
In 2024, India installed 20.7 GW of solar capacity, bringing the total to 81.9 GW. This includes 63.5 GW of utility-scale solar and 18.4 GW of rooftop solar. During this period, utility-scale installations contributed 18.5 GW, while rooftop solar accounted for 2.2 GW.
This growth in solar capacity is part of India’s broader efforts to achieve its renewable energy targets. By the end of 2024, the country’s cumulative renewable energy capacity reached 147.4 GW, including 73.9 GW of solar, 33.8 GW of wind, 10.5 GW of bioenergy, and 4.9 GW of small hydropower.
India solar capacity 2025: National Targets and Investment Plans
India’s solar power targets are ambitious, aiming to achieve 280 GW by 2030 as part of its broader renewable energy goal of 500 GW. This expansion is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting international climate commitments. By the end of 2024, India’s total renewable energy capacity reached 187.7 GW, with solar power playing a significant role.
To support this growth, the Indian government has implemented various policies and initiatives, including the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), which plays a crucial role in promoting and facilitating solar projects across the country.
India’s progress in solar capacity reflects its commitment to renewable energy and climate goals. Despite challenges, the country continues to make significant strides in expanding its solar infrastructure, supported by government policies and international investments. With ambitious targets and ongoing efforts, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in solar energy.
Global Context of India solar capacity 2025 Expansion
In addition to India’s impressive solar expansion, other countries are also making significant investments in solar energy. For instance, SolarBank Corporation is developing a 2.9 MW ground-mounted solar project in Gainesville, Florida, which is expected to generate approximately 4,787 MWh of clean electricity annually. This project is part of a broader trend of increasing solar investments worldwide, illustrating the global shift towards renewable energy sources.
